BJ Mercantile, Inc., the official local distributor of Scania trucks and buses, has unveiled the Scania K360 Coach Bus. In a launch held recently at Scania’s Balintawak Quezon City Showroom, the Swedish marque has turned over their initial 23 units of the K360 to GV Florida Transports, Inc., (Florida) a bus company that’s been around since the ‘70s, and is the pride of commuters in Northern Philippines.
Scania Philippines says that 19 units of the fleet are of the Deluxe and Super Deluxe types. But the best part is that the remaining 4 units are Executive Sleeper buses (K360 Sleeper). These are kitted with just about everything a North Luzon long distance land traveler will ever need to enjoy the journey.
Autocar Philippines was one of the media outfits invited to the launch and handover, and we were treated to a day on board the K360 Sleeper. This was one of the rare times media people don’t get to drive the “test units” they’re reviewing- a change of scenery isn’t all that bad sometimes.
After the launch and handover at Scania Balintawak, we were escorted to the K360 Sleeper. We were then set for a day of travel to and from Florida’s Tarlac terminal. The K360 Sleeper boasts of 23 spacious and comfortable Executive Sleeper Beds equipped with headrest pillows. The beds are arranged like a series of top-and-bottom bunkers or commonly known as “double decks”. Each bed has a curtained enclosure which can fit an average sized passenger, as well as those with a bigger frame admittedly like me. I chose to stay in the bottom bunker, but those who opted to stay on the top bunker did climb up using push button automatic stair steps.
I’m 5 feet 8 inches tall, and on the heavy side, but I still managed to sit on the bed. The head room though in the bottom bunker wasn’t spacious enough for me, as my head did touch the paneling that separates my space from the top bunker. I did not mind, although it’s something to take note of for passengers with bigger or taller frames. When I tried to lie down and stretch my legs, I was surprised that I could do a full stretch so that was some relief.
I was also amazed by the cabin’s host of amenities. These include individual aircon units and cabin light, a blanket (for use only on board), a wired headset (property of Florida), a shoe bag, and an accessory table for storing frequently used stuff like a wrist watch or a smartphone. Speaking of devices, one can also enjoy a selection of movies and games with the cabin’s personal touch screen LCD tablet. This device can even play music. Use the headsets of course, to be prudent with sleeping passengers. And yes, the K360 Sleeper also has onboard Wi-Fi for those who need to be always connected.
Also worth mentioning is the accessory desk’s two cup holders, which of course can store average- size bottled drinks and snacks compliments of Florida. Nice.
The K360 Sleeper has a restroom for toilet breaks. Although a bit cramped, it is completely kitted. It has a working water system, a sink, a light, some sanitary essentials like soap and alcohol, and a toilet with “vacu-flush” similar to airline toilets. What made me really smile was that the toilet has a bidet! Ayos!
Perhaps you may wonder about the comforts for the driver. For this, the K360 Sleeper’s driver’s seat has air suspension so he or she won’t feel the harshness of less favorable road conditions. This feature, on top of power steering, storage cubbies, and air conditioning.
Powering the Scania K360 Sleeper Bus is a 360hp Euro 5 compliant engine with 1,750Nm of torque on tap, plenty of pulling strength for uphill roads. In the driver’s command is an 8-speed automatic gearbox with Manual Mode. Driving modes can be selected between Economy, Standard, and Power.
Beyond the luxury of the bus itself, Scansia says drivers and operators can depend on their service. These include tried and true after-sales service, Service Contract package with Fleet Management System and Driver Training programs, and 24/7 Service Assistance, to name a few.
All in all, the Scania K360 Sleeper Bus experience with Florida was a blast. A well-needed relaxing trip by land. Thank you Scania Philippines and GV Florida Transport, Inc.!
To learn more about Scania, you may visit their showroom at 1132 EDSA Balintawak, Quezon City. You may also call (02) 8361-0088, email [email protected], or visit www.scania.ph. Check their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/scaniaphilippines/.
GV Florida Transport, Inc. offers bus chartering services to individuals and corporations. To learn more, visit https://www.gvfloridatrans.com/page1.html.
